“GCC Power 2010”, the 8th Regional Conference for National Committees of CIGRE in the Arab Countries and the 15th Exhibition for Electrical Equipment, has been officially launched today (Sunday, October 10, 2010) during a press conference at the Ritz-Carlton, Doha hotel. Key government and private sector stakeholders in the region's power sector attended the launch event to confirm their participation as sponsors of “GCC Power 2010”, which will be held from October 18 to 20 at the Ritz-Carlton, Doha.

“GCC Power 2010” will cover all aspects of the production, transportation and distribution of electricity and will provide leading industry professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and specialists a direct access to project directors, GCC ministries, government bodies and a variety of high-level decision makers involved in the electricity sector. The following are the sponsors for the high-profile event: Official Sponsor – Alstom; Integrity Sponsor – Siemens; Event Powered by Kahramaa; Platinum Sponsor – Hyosung; Gold Sponsor – SEL; Silver Sponsors - Jaidah Industrial Supply, Doha Cables and Trausco; Official Dinner Sponsor – ABB; and Corporate Sponsor - GE.

Engineer Thani Al Khusaibi, Chairman, GCC CIGRE, said: "The impressive line-up of sponsors underlines the importance of “GCC Power 2010” as a consolidating platform for the region's power sector. We will leverage the support we have gathered from leading institutions in the private and government sectors to ensure the success of “GCC Power 2010” in helping address the present and future needs of the region's power industry."

Engineer Issa Al Kawari, Qatar Representative and Board Member, GCC CIGRE, said: "The GCC is home to some of the world's biggest power projects so exhibitors from all over the world are naturally looking forward to take part in “GCC Power 2010”. On the other hand, I believe that regional industry stakeholders will be keenly looking out for technologies, techniques and other value-added products and services that will support a more sustainable approach towards satisfying the GCC's spiralling energy demand."

George Ayache, General Manager, IFP Qatar, added: "We had a very productive partnership with GCC CIGRE throughout our preparations for “GCC Power 2010” and we are confident that the success of our collaboration will be evident when we finally run the show. GCC CIGRE's desire to ensure the success of the event is unquestionable and we are certainly grateful to them for being such excellent partners and for the full support they have given to IFP. On the other hand, I believe that Qatar is such an exciting venue for an event of this magnitude; the country has invested huge sums to fund some of the largest power projects in the region, so the country currently enjoys considerable global attention."

Rana Daher, Project Manager, IFP Qatar, said: "The combined teams from IFP Qatar and GCC CIGRE have left no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure a successful conference and exhibition. The venue is perfect and we would like to express our gratitude to the Ritz-Carlton, Doha for being such gracious and accommodating hosts of “GCC Power 2010”. We are equally thankful to all the exhibiting companies for their help during the construction of the stands, which has progressed very smoothly as well."

“GCC Power 2010” is owned by GCC CIGRE, the GCC regional committee for large electricity systems. Established as a non-profit organisation in 1985 by a resolution of Their Excellencies the GCC Ministers of Electricity & Water, GCC CIGRE is mainly devoted to encourage the exchange of information and expertise in the field of electricity systems through conferences, seminars and research.

“GCC Power 2010” opens a direct access to the GCC's rapidly expanding electricity market, while creating an information gateway about exciting developments and the latest research in the region's electricity industry. Some of the most prominent personalities and organisations in the global power industry will be attending the event, including government decision-makers, leading regional and international power companies and respected industry advisors, as well as regional experts and thousands of trade visitors from the GCC, Europe and the USA.

“GCC Power 2010” will feature a special conference that will discuss development, technologies and techniques in System Operation and Control, System Planning, Development and Technical Studies, Substations, Power Transformers and Reactors, Switchgear and HV Equipment, Transmission Lines and Cables, HVDC and Power Electronics, and Emerging Technologies.

Organised by IFP Qatar, “GCC Power 2010” is expected to gather a much greater number of international delegates compared to previous years as the event has been expanded to include several other countries in the Arab World. The increased participation will open more opportunities to build trade links, establish strategic partnerships and generate fresh business leads in the regional market.